Marine Science Specialization in the OC-MS Program
Gain Hands-On Marine Research Experience Through the Tufts–Bigelow Marine Science Collaborative
The Tufts-Bigelow Marine Science Collaborative prepares the next generation of ocean scientists, researchers, educators, and conservation leaders through immersive, research-driven learning. By combining graduate education at Tufts University with field and laboratory training at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, students gain firsthand experience conducting marine science research at one of the nation's leading ocean research institutes.
This partnership provides Biology MS students with the opportunity to study, conduct research, and develop professional skills while working alongside marine scientists at Bigelow Laboratory in East Boothbay, Maine.
What is the MS in Biology with a Marine Science specialization?
The Marine Science Specialization is an experiential learning track within the Tufts Open Choice MS in Biology program. Students spend a full fall semester at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences completing the Tufts Sea Change Semester program, taking four graduate-level marine science courses while participating in field-based and laboratory-based research experiences. The specialization combines classroom learning, oceanographic fieldwork, independent research, and exposure to active marine science research programs.
Who should apply?
Students interested in careers in marine biology, oceanography, environmental science, conservation, climate science, fisheries, or marine policy will gain valuable experience working in this professional research setting.
How to apply to the specialization in Marine Science?
This program is currently only open to Tufts MS in Biology Students (including GSAS Fifth-Year Master's students). Interested students must first apply to the MS in Biology program.
Once accepted into the MS program, you may elect to have a specialization in Marine Science by applying for the Sea Change semester through this application page on the Bigelow Laboratory site. Please reach out to tufts@bigelow.org with any questions.
Marine Science Specialization Curriculum
The below four marine science courses are taken together in a fall semester-long experience at the Bigelow Laboratory. This unique experiential learning opportunity will immerse you in an active marine research environment where you'll build foundational knowledge, develop field- and laboratory-based skills, and prepare for advanced research.
- Bio 196: Biological Oceanography: Diversity and Function of Life in Marine Ecosystems (3 credits)
- Bio 196: Ocean Biogeochemistry on a Changing Planet (3 credits)
- Bio 196: The Ocean Environment: A Cross-Disciplinary Foundation (3 credits)
- Bio 196: Oceanographic Field Methods and Independent Research (3 credits)
These four courses (12 credits) are high quality, experiential opportunities that will introduce you to, or expand your experience working in, an authentic marine lab environment, paving the way for additional research opportunities.
You will take the other course requirements (18 credits / approx. 6 courses) to complete the rest of the OC-MS in Biology back on-campus at Tufts University in Medford, MA.
Important Notes:
- Participation in this semester requires relocation to East Boothbay, Maine, for a fall semester; all four courses take place at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. Programmatic housing options are available. Please email reservations@bigelow.org with questions.
- Once admitted into the Sea Semester, please register for all four Bio 196 courses for your Fall semester. The enrollment cap is 5 students. Permission of instructor required.
- Students that enroll in this program may have the option of conducting additional research at Bigelow Laboratory over the summer with Bigelow Laboratory Research scientists.
- Tufts Undergraduates: Bigelow Laboratory offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain similar marine research experience, as well as a fall semester of undergraduate credit, through their Sea Change Semester in partnership with Colby College. Tufts undergraduates interested in pursuing this opportunity should contact tufts@bigelow.org to learn more.